Web page for Arctic Landscape Conservation Cooperative
The Ruddy Turnstone, named after its habit of turning over stones and other objects in search of prey, occurs throughout the circumpolar arctic. In Alaska, this species typically nests in barren halophytic, sparsely vegetated sites (Bart et al. 2012, Nettleship 2000), usually near the coast or along rivers, and rarely inland (Johnson et al. 2007). During the breeding season, Ruddy Turnstones feed primarily on dipteran insects obtained in dry to wet habitats near ponds and streams and often along pond margins (Nettleship 2000). This species winters along both coasts of North America in the west from northern California down into South America (Nettleship 2000). Current population estimate for Alaska is 20,000 (Morrison et al. 2006) and for the North Slope is likely <10,000 (Bart et al. 2012).
(Point of Contact); Arctic Landscape Conservation Cooperative (Point of Contact, Publisher)
Vulnerability assessment fact-sheet for Ruddy Turnstone.